13 Songs That Are Biblical – Sort of | Playlist 🎧

1. Ryan Beatty, “Genesis”

Dreaming of David • Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope • 2020

highlight from Dreaming of David, the sophomore album by openly gay pop artist, Ryan Beatty, is a prime example. One of the best songs on a very consistent, highly enjoyable album is “Genesis.”  Predictably, Ryan Beatty dives into religion – how could he not given the title? That said, it’s absolutely marvelous, as he mentions the fact that he’s “Basically an atheist.” Why? Well, it’s because “He’s all that I believe in right now.” The ‘He’ can’t be God, but rather, ‘David,’ who he’s totally infatuated with.

On the pre-chorus, he gets pretty spiritual for the atheist he is, singing, “Ever since Jerusalem, had a change of heart / You went back to Genesis, found God, found God.”  Just for some background, David is a big deal in the Bible, notably considered to be part of the genealogy of Jesus. It’s not all spiritually driven for Beatty of course, even with “Heaven in the room” and notably, “making the rules.”  The second verse is more secular.  Still, the chorus references God, well, a god (“Am I the one you were looking for?”).

2. The 1975, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”

Notes on a Conditional Form • Interscope • 2020

“I’m in love with Jesus Christ / He’s so nice.”  Honestly, a lot of people are Matthew Healy, but we all know that you are an atheist/secular humanist, so… what gives?  Perhaps the front man of The 1975 actually isn’t speaking about his religious beliefs as much as the character he portrays on “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”, an advance single from Notes on a Conditional Form.  Featuring uncredited vocals by Phoebe Bridgers, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” tackles faith and sexuality.

So, the opening lyric from “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” comes off incredibly spiritual – quite Christian.  However, the issue comes into play on the second verse, with Bridgers assisting: “I’m in love with a boy I know / But that’s a feeling I can never show.”  Why can’t he show it? Well, there’s been plenty of friction between being homosexual and Christian. Often, Sodom and Gomorrah are cited in the purported sin.  Of course, the phrase “Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve” predates those ‘sinful’ happenings in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Back to the song though!

Bridges has her own moment where sexuality comes to the forefront:

“I’m in love with the girl next door
Her name’s Claire
Nice when she comes ‘round to call
Then masturbate the second she’s not there.”

Wow.  Of course, because both Healy and Bridgers are Christian (in the context) of the song, ‘it’s all good’ – NOT. The chorus is clearly the centerpiece of this alternative, singer/songwriter record.

“Fortunately, I believe, lucky me
Searching for planes in the sea, and that’s irony
Soil just needs water to be, and a seed
So, if we can turn into a tree, can I be the leaves?”

Reexamining the song after previously reviewing it, I found that chorus has another Biblical allusion to Faith being like a mustard seed.  Here, you can argue that Healy desires faith that he doesn’t possess, while simultaneously, captures the plight of the gay Christian who is essentially a walking contradiction. Definitely, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” is a lot to unpack.

3. Sara Bareilles, “Armor”

Amidst the Chaos • Epic • 2019

“Let it begin / Let Adam in / Step one / Original sin… / Can I ask a question / To present day / How the hell did Eve end up with all the damn blame?”  The main reason why “Armor”, a highlight from the 2019 Sara Bareilles album, Amidst the Chaos, makes an appearance on this religion-associated playlist is the aforementioned lyrical excerpt.  Bareilles references the original sin from the Garden of Eden, referenced in Genesis 3.  From Bareilles’ perspective, Eve gets the short end of the stick in regard to blame for being tossed out of the Garden of Eden.

For some background, here’s an excerpt, specifically Genesis 3:4-6 (Common English Bible):

⁴ The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die! ⁵ God knows that on the day you eat from it, you will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ⁶ The woman saw that the tree was beautiful with delicious food and that the tree would provide wisdom, so she took some of its fruit and ate it, and also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Later, as the story goes, God gets angry, and Adam blames Eve who then blames the snake and all are punished (Genesis 12-13; 16):

¹² The man said, “The woman you gave me, she gave me some fruit^[c] from the tree, and I ate.” ¹³ The Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?!” And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” ¹⁶ To the woman he said, “I will make your pregnancy very painful; in pain you will bear children.  You will desire your husband, but he will rule over you.”

The outcome sucks of course.  Focusing more on the record itself, in the context of Amidst the Chaos, “Armor” provides contrast, keeping things quite interesting.  Prominent Left hand, bassy piano (performed by Bareilles herself) adds some bite to this girl-power anthem, where she asserts at one point, “You think I am high and mighty, mister? / Wait till you meet my little sister.”  Lyrically, speaks about the power of women, even in the midst of disadvantage. The ‘little sister’ line in particular suggests that women will only have a stronger voice in the future.  “Armor” previously appeared on the playlist 15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion.

4. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, “Night Raid”

Ghosteen • Ghosteen Ltd. • 2019

Sigh, the critically acclaimed, gorgeous album, Ghosteen arrived courtesy of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. One of the 25 Best Albums of 2019, Ghosteen is successful thanks to its deliberate pace, sound, overall vibe, and the lyricism and themes.  Spirituality occurs throughout the album, specifically on the song at hand, “Night Raid.” “Night Raid” manages to cleverly encompasses several things, including Jesus (his death, Room 33), clever songwriting (“I slid my little songs out from under you”), and sex.

“Night Raid” is one of many songs from Ghosteen that make reference to the Biblical. While horses seem to be the main character(s) of crowning achievement, “Bright Horses,” the listener would be advised to read further into this, particularly with references to God and spirituality.  Later on, down the track list, the chilling, enigmatic “Leviathan” references a sea serpent, a monstrous sea creature mentioned in ‘The Good Book.’ Interestingly, while Cave mentions the sea on “Leviathan,” he fails to name the creature explicitly.

5. Behemoth, “We Are the Next 1000 Years”

I Loved You at Your Darkest • Metal Blade • 2018

“We hail to thee, O avenging force! / We are the dawn ov new Jerusalem / We are the ending ov all days / We are the next 1000 years!” Sigh, I Loved You at Your Darkest marks the 11^th studio album by Polish death metal band Behemoth, fronted and masterminded by Nergal. Nergal was among 10 musicians profiled in the evergreen list, 10 Musicians Who Possess Unique Beliefs or Oppose Religion. According to Nergal, “It doesn’t get more blasphemous than this”, referencing the hella anti-Christian/anti-God LP. That definitely proves true throughout the utterly atheistic, Satanic project.

Even so, Nergal is Biblical to an extent, even if he’s blasphemous through reversals and such.

On “We Are the Next 1000 Years,” the prominent themes of the project continue, including celebrating Christ’s crucifixion. That’s definitely a reverse… understatement. A prime example:

“To Christ, falls savior on the cross
To the emperor ov Rome
To Christ, falls savior on the cross
To the devil in our souls!”

That emperor of Rome that Behemoth reference is none other than the infamous Pontius Pilate, known for ordering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  The blasphemous treatment of the Biblical continues in numerous instances, including “The tree ov God shall not withstand the ruthless storm / We are the death that rides the pale horse.” Wow.  “We Are the Next 1000 Years” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs Centered on the Year.

6. Pistol Annies, “Interstate Gospel”

Interstate Gospel • Sony • 2018

According to Ashley Monroe and Pistol Annies compadre Angaleena Presley, “This interstate gospel is saving my soul.” Hallelujah! Perhaps “Interstate Gospel” isn’t your traditional gospel joint (probably not a church song), but this gospel-tinged country record is as a marvelous moment from Interstate Gospel, the third album by the collective.

There’s so much to like about “Interstate Gospel” from a musical standpoint. One big selling point is how the groove percolates gradually. Pistol Annies are in no rush, opting for a very organic approach and sound. The sound is old-school, blending traditional country vibes with a southern gospel influence.  The production is excellent, comprised of guitars, banjo, and honky tonk-infused, gospel-tinged piano. As awesome as the music and conception of the record are, the vocals are nothing short of fantastic. No, the girls don’t do anything too crazy (no histrionics), but the sound and style is idiomatic of old-school country.

Beyond the music, the lyrics, particularly the Biblical references make “Interstate Gospel” even more magnificent. Presley asserts on the first verse, “Jesus is the bread of life, without him, you’re toast / Hallelujah y’all, I’ve found the holy ghost.” Monroe sings the centerpiece, the chorus:

“These church signs, they light up these roads that I roam
They’re leading me closer; they’re calling me home
The further I get, the further I go
This interstate gospel is saving my soul
This interstate gospel is saving my soul.”

Presley goes on to sing the second verse, referencing prayer, holy water, faith, and Moses, not to mention a killer reference to alcohol in the process.  Throughout, there are lovely use of Biblical stories and characters to fuel the lyrical fire. “Interstate Gospel” is a truly magnificent single. It may not change the world, let alone save souls, but it sure makes for awesome ear candy.

7 & 8. A Perfect Circle, “TalkTalk”

Eat the Elephant • A Perfect Circle / BMG Rights Management • 2018 

In 2018, A Perfect Circle returned with, Eat the Elephant, their fourth studio album. For Maynard James Keenan, it was a long time coming; Eat the Elephant arrived 14 years after the band’s third album, Emotive, released in 2004. Wow! Keenan makes Biblical and spiritual references throughout the album, including the two songs at hand, “The Doomed” and “TalkTalk”.  Worth mentioning, Keenan has, um, interesting religious views.  According to TeamRock (Louder), Keenan stated that, “Religion is basically a marketing plan… they’re going to…trick you into giving 10 percent of your income to some child-molesting fuck-head… civil rights over some storybook.”

“The Doomed” is a great song (in the most doomed and damned way possible), appearing previously on the playlist, 13 Gripping Songs Filled with Doom.  A hard-hitting-groove anchors the record down early on.  Both mysterious and dramatic, “The Doomed” allures early on lyrically, musically, and vocally.  Keenan is charged-up, with assertive, gritty lead vocals.  On the first verse, he sets the tone:

“Behold a new Christ
Behold the same old horde
Gather at the altering
New beginning, new word
And the word was death
And the word was without light
The new beatitude:
‘Good luck, you’re on your own.’”

Indeed, Keenan and A Perfect Circle established a damned, doomed vibe.  The vocals are filled with angst, blasphemy, and unrepentant energy. The lyrics yield a dark, poetic nature, while the music is excellent – dark, enigmatic, and high-flying, with superb production. There are hellish, souped-up guitars, driving, pummeling drums, and various symphonic cues accentuating the drama and theatrical vibes.  Keenan and company close with a bang as he asserts another new ‘beatitude’: “‘Fuck the doomed, your own your own.’” Ultimately, there’s not a scintilla of hope to be found on “The Doomed” – no mercy.

“TalkTalk” is set in d minor, certainly an often-used key for Maynard James Keenan throughout his career.  The record has one pure verse, and it’s not particularly assertive structurally. The first chorus, which follows, brings more extra oomph to “TalkTalk,” including the utterance of a f-bomb:

“Sit and talk like Jesus
Try walkin’ like Jesus
Sit and talk like Jesus
Talk like Jesus
Talk, talk, talk, talk
Get the fuck out of my way.”

The intense chorus, capped off by the bomb, is followed by an extended bridge.  That bridge is highlighted by lyrics including “Don’t be the problem, be the solution” and “Faith without works is… dead.” “Faith without works is dead” is scripture (James 2:26). The first half is much more reserved, sung in an undertone.  The second half is bit more like a second verse, though not quite. Nonetheless, it’s a bit more assertive leading into the second chorus, a variation of the first. Safe to say, “TalkTalk” is an interesting song that previously appeared on the playlist, Small Talk + More Songs Worth Talking About.

9. Jamila Woods, “Holy”

HEAVN • Jagjaguwar • 2017

“Though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no love,” Jamila Woods sings on the first verse of “Holy,” continuing, “Oh, my smile, my mind reassure me I don’t need no one.” Obviously, the lyrics have some Biblical (Psalm 23) and spiritual elements, but more notably, tap into matters of the heart.  “Yea, the bad days may come / The lover may leave,” Woods sings on the bridge, adding, “The temple you be / You’re all that you got.” “Holy” appears as the 18^th track on HEAVN, her debut album, released in 2017.

Vocally, Jamila Woods sounds absolutely fantastic.  She sings beautifully over a backdrop that blends the warmness of gospel, the cleverness of jazz, and embraces neo-soul/throwback R&B vibes.  Adding to the gorgeousness of this number are the harmonic progression and the backing vocals.  Of course, thematically and lyrically, “Holy” is totally woke, as stated in the aforementioned paragraph.  The centerpiece is exactly what you would expect – the chorus:

“Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving me
With my mind set on loving me
I’m not lonely, I’m alone
And I’m not holy by my own…”

Beyond the chorus though, the outro, embracing Psalm 23 once more, is pretty lit:

“My cup is full up, what I got is enough
Nobody completes me, don’t mess with my love
Surely, surely, surely, surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me.”

Amen Jamila Woods, amen! “Holy” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Holy Songs That Are Holy in Name Only.

10. Bon Iver, “21 M◊◊N WATER”

22, A Million • Jagjaguwar • 2016 

Grammy-winning alternative collective Bon Iver, led by Justin Vernon, returned triumphantly in 2016 with 22, A Million. That eclectic album sounds like nothing else released in 2016.  Incorporating electronic cues and acoustic cues alike, 22, A Million is an intriguing listen.  While its lyrics can be challenging – drenched in spirituality, numerology, and the most accessible, romance – 22, A Million is an album that makes listeners think.  “21 M◊◊N WATER” is fittingly the seventh track from the album.

 “21 M◊◊N WATER” is filled with thought-provoking lyrics and references.  Like much of 22, A Million, the record embraces numerology. Interestingly, Justin Vernon sings: “The math ahead / The math behind it / It’s moon water.”  What is particularly significant about those lyrics, as well as “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t water itself, but the number 7.  First of all, it appears as the seventh track on 22, A Million.  21, the number referenced in the title, is a product of 7. Also, 21 is comprised of three sevens, and 777 is a key Biblical number.

Here’s the thing.  While Bon Iver makes ‘spiritual’ references, “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t Christian.  Numerology certainly isn’t associated with Christianity in the least.  It is numbers based, hence why the reference to math signifies its use here.  Why are two opposite ends of the spectrum – Christianity and numerology – referenced within one song? Duality, which is a key component of 22, A Million and runs rampant on “21 M◊◊N WATER.” A prime example? “I’m not sinking – I’m not synching.”  Wow – how clever is that? Backtracking to spiritual association, if you need further evidence that “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t Christian, let’s talk about that ‘M◊◊N WATER,’ shall we?  Moon water, per Witchipedia is:

“Moon water is water that has been charged with the energies of the moon. It is a popular way to charge water to be used during a ceremony or spell working or to brew magical potions and may be used for anything you are directed to use water for.”

“21 M◊◊N WATER” is nothing short of intriguing, period. It previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Wet Songs About Water, Water, Water!.

11. David Bowie, “Lazarus”

Blackstar • Columbia • 2016

On what would end up being his final studio album, Blackstar, David Bowie never misses the mark. Though only comprised of seven tracks, Blackstar is a superb, supremely creative effort that stimulates both the mind and the ears. All seven songs that grace the album are well written and performed.  Truly, Bowie left the world with a certified masterpiece.  Among the crème de la crème is “Lazarus,” which fits the Biblical tilt of this particular playlist.

Following Bowie’s surprising passing, “Lazarus” seemed to foreshadow Bowie’s ultimate demise, making it equally more intriguing and more foreboding.  Throw in an unsettling music video, and things get creepier, yet more epic.  “Lazarus” like “Blackstar” is radiant, but in a morbid, twisted sort of way. Lazarus (of Bethany), of course, is the famous Biblical character resurrected from the dead by Jesus (one of his miracles). Per Franciscan Media, Lazarus is characterized as follows:

“Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, the brother of Martha and Mary, was the one of whom the Jews said, ‘See how much he loved him.’”

 The key lyrics in Bowie’s Biblical allusion are, “I’m in heaven / I’ve got scars that can’t be seen…”

12. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Jeremiah/World Needs More Love”

In My Mind • Motown • 2016

In 2016, R&B singer/songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid released his debut studio album, In My Mind.  One of the highlights from that LP is the song “Jeremiah/World Needs More Love” (featuring Eric Ingram).  “Jeremiah /World Needs More Love” is notable, because the singer/songwriter gets Biblical, referencing prophet Jeremiah.  According to Encyclopædia Britannica, “Jeremiah’s early messages to the people were condemnations of them for their false worship and social injustice, with summons to repentance.” Of course, Christians best know him for The Book of Jeremiah. His most famous verse can be found in Jeremiah 20:9: “But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

That’s where BJ the Chicago first explicitly mentions the Biblical prophet:

“And it burns real deep
Said it burns real deep
Jeremiah said, it’s just like fire, yea
Said it burns real deep.”

Prior to the “Jeremiah…,” he’d previously addressed spiritual matters on “Church.” “Church,” featuring Chance the Rapper and Buddy, highlights his struggles with temptation and righteousness – that deserves a big AMEN.  As far as “Jeremiah/World Needs More Love” is concerned, BJ offers a complete performance where he exhibits incredible control as well as ascending to that next level – that next gear – spiritually.  Also, he provides more insight into the prophet during an interlude between two choruses:

“Just in case you were wondering what Jeremiah I’m speaking of…not the singer, but, uh, the prophet from the Bible. Called to be a prophet at a young age, it caused fear in his heart to speak what the Lord gave him to say. But God told him, ‘You’re not a boy, you’re a prophet.’…So pretty much fear not, know what I mean? So, whatever he had to say for that day…the feeling that he had then, I have right now.”

13. Behemoth, “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel”

The Satanist • Metal Blade • 2014

“I saw the virgin’s cunt spawning forth the snake / …I watched disciples twelve, dissolved by flame / Looked down on Son ov God, snuffed in vain…” Wow, Behemoth, wow! It should come as no surprise that “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” is quite… um… atheistic, better yet, satanic. “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” serves as the loud, totally unsettling, hellish opener to the metal collective’s 2014 album, The Satanist. 

“Blow your trumpets Gabriel! /… Break the bread, and crumb by crumb into the Leviathan’s den…” The Leviathan, a sea monster, appears in numerous instances in the Bible, in a negative context.  Basically, Behemoth, known for their blasphemy and reversal of all things Christian and spiritual, show an example of reversal in this lyrical excerpt. The Biblical references continue to run rampant on “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel,” but there’s nothing ‘redeeming,’ particularly when Nergal sings:

“Hosanna! (hosanna)
Let wine ov Sodom fill our mouths
Hosanna! (hosanna)
May Sin ov Gomorrah grace our hearts.”

Biblically, Sodom and Gomorrah aren’t considered the holiest of places you might say…  Previously, “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” appeared on the playlists 11 Songs That Totally Blow (In the Most Awesome Way Possible) and 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments.